Richfield Roundup: Liquor licenses, zoning changes, and litigation on recent agendas
What happened this week
Three Richfield government bodies met between July 9 and July 16, but minutes have not yet been published for any of the sessions. The summaries below reflect what was on each agenda — not what was ultimately decided. Residents should watch for posted minutes to confirm outcomes.
Plan Commission — July 9
The Plan Commission agenda included a special exception request from petitioners Chris and Jennifer Slamer for an accessory structure at 1250 St. Augustine Road (Tax Key: V10_076200F).
Commissioners were also scheduled to review potential amendments to Chapters 170 and 170A of the Village Zoning Code, covering outdoor lighting and detached accessory structure regulations.
Other agenda items:
- Discussion of a previously tabled special exception for an accessory structure at 4350 Hubertus Road (Bee and Youa Hang).
- A site-plan amendment for Basse's Taste of Country at 3190 County Hwy Q, replacing Bull Riders with eight mini excavators.
- Appointment of Commissioner Dan Naze as Plan Commission Vice-Chairperson for a one-year term.
Village Board — July 14
The Village Board scheduled a closed-session meeting to discuss and possibly act on legal counsel advice regarding litigation strategy for the property at 609 Scenic Road (TNK: V10_116100B). After the closed session, the board planned to reconvene in open session to address matters arising from that discussion. No other actions were on the agenda.
Village Board — July 16
The board's July 16 agenda was the busiest of the week. A consent agenda included vouchers for payment, the Treasurer's Report, June 18 meeting minutes, a claim disallowance, a full-service retail sales application for Aspen Sky at Richfield Days, a temporary Class B license for the Richfield Community Foundation, and a fire department update.
Separately, the board was scheduled to consider issuing two new Class B liquor licenses:
- 1380 Friess Lake Road — The Alpine (ILA Investments LLC)
- 1907 STH 175 — BJ's Tailgate Tavern LLC
The board also planned to review a contract with Wolverine Fireworks for Richfield Days 2026, consider an amendment to the Groundwater Monitoring Ordinance, and discuss creating a voluntary water-sampling program.
Why it matters
Class B liquor licenses directly affect which businesses can sell alcohol in the village. Zoning code amendments on accessory structures and outdoor lighting could change what residents can build on their properties. The groundwater monitoring discussion touches drinking water protections. And the closed-session litigation item at 609 Scenic Road signals potential legal costs or settlement decisions ahead.
Because minutes are not yet available for any of these meetings, residents cannot yet confirm which items were approved, tabled, or rejected. The village's official agendas are the authoritative source for what was scheduled.
Coming up
Fire Commission — Thursday, July 23, 2026. The commission will approve March 12, 2026 meeting minutes, then hold a closed session to discuss part-time employment and related personnel matters for prospective fire department members. Afterward, the commission will reconvene in open session to ratify fire department appointments recommended by the chief. Residents interested in fire department staffing may want to attend the open-session portion.